Walker welcomed in win

Jayson Tatum scored 23 points, and Kemba Walker got a win in an emotional return to Charlotte as the Boston Celtics defeated the Hornets 108-87 on Thursday night.

Walker had an off night shooting the ball and finished with 14 points and six assists, but the Celtics won their sixth straight game handily. Walker missed his first six shots and didn't make a field goal until three minutes into the third quarter.

Walker received a rousing, one-minute standing ovation from the home crowd after the Hornets showed a highlight tribute on the videoboard that left the point guard in tears.

The three-time All-Star played eight NBA seasons in Charlotte and is the franchise's all-time leading scorer. He signed with the Celtics this past offseason after Hornets owner Michael Jordan elected not to pay Walker a five-year, $221 million supermax contract.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 07: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a play against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on November 07, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)Streeter Lecka

Notes: Zion Williamson says he expects his absence from the Pelicans because of his knee injury to be less than half of the regular season but is offering no specific timetable for a return. "It's going very well, day by day, getting better," the No. 1 overall pick said after teammates finished practice Thursday. "No real timetable. When I'm ready, I'll come back." ... The NBA has fined the Los Angeles Clippers $50,000 for statements made by coach Doc Rivers and others that were "inconsistent with (Kawhi) Leonard's health status." Leonard is suffering from an ongoing injury to the patella tendon in his left knee and Rivers was quoted as saying Leonard has never felt better. ... 76ers guard Ben Simmons will miss Friday's game at Denver because of sprained AC joint in his right shoulder. ... Blake Griffin has been cleared by the Pistons' medical staff for basketball-related activities. Griffin hasn't played at all this season because of hamstring and knee issues.